Observation of gravitational waves by light polarization

Abstract

We provide analysis to determine the effects of gravitational waves on electromagnetic waves, using perturbation theory in general relativity. Our analysis is performed in a completely covariant manner without invoking any coordinates. For a given observer, using the geometrical-optics approach, we work out the perturbations of the phase, amplitude, frequency and polarization properties–axes of ellipse and ellipticity of light, due to gravitational waves. With regard to the observation of gravitational waves, we discuss the measurement of Stokes parameters, through which the antenna patterns are presented to show the detectability of the gravitational wave signals.

The Resolution of Ambiguities in Light Perturbation by Gravitational Waves

“…We have noticed that some previously published expressions for the perturbations of light rays and phase functions, due to gravitational waves, exhibit pathological behaviour in the limit where light is emitted in parallel to the gravitational wave. Contrary to the interpretation that this issue signals a break-down of perturbative expansions [7] or even a limit in the range of validity of geometrical optics [13], our analysis shows that this is due the use of ad-hoc particular solutions of the equations without checking their physical plausibility.…”

The Response of Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Detectors Beyond the Eikonal Equation

“…Moreover, the analysis here does not rely on unidimensional approximations such as in Refs. [23; 28], and the result is well-behaved also for small angles between the gw and em wave vectors, where calculations based on the vector potential often find difficulties [21].…”

“…A recent analysis quantifying the gw effect on light polarisation using Stokes parameters can be found in Ref. [21]. Naturally, such calculations were mainly concerned with one-way light propagation and used emission conditions different from those suitable to describe laser interferometers.…”

Ozone formation in ternary collisions: Theory and experiment reconciled

“…[34]), black triangles - [35], cornflower blue triangles - [36], magenta squares - [37] (as cited in Ref. [9]), cornflower blue squares - [38], black squares - [39], cornflower blue diamond - [40] (as cited in Ref. [9]), black × - [41], black diamond - [34], magenta diamond - [42], magenta triangles - [43].…”